Gooey Amish Pecan Praline Bars (Rich, Buttery & Irresistible)

These decadent bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a thick, gooey brown sugar pecan praline layer. Sweet, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Servings: 12–16 bars
Pan: 9×13 inch
Bake Temp: 350°F (175°C)
Total Time: About 50 minutes

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📝 Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp salt

Gooey Pecan Praline Topping

• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups chopped pecans (lightly toasted if possible)

• Pinch of salt

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

3. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Mix in flour and salt until crumbly dough forms.

5. Press evenly into bottom of pan.

6. Bake 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden.

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Step 2: Prepare the Praline Topping

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

2. Stir in brown sugar and cook 1–2 minutes until smooth.

3. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil.

4. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans.

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Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour warm praline mixture evenly over baked crust.

2. Return to oven and bake 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and set around edges.

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Step 4: Cool & Slice

• Cool completely (at least 1–2 hours) before cutting.

• For cleaner slices, chill 30 minutes before cutting.

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✨ Optional Variations

• Drizzle melted chocolate over top

• Add shredded coconut to praline layer

• Sprinkle flaky sea salt for sweet-salty contrast

• Use whole pecan halves for a more classic look

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🧊 Storage

• Store at room temperature in airtight container up to 3 days

• Refrigerate up to 1 week

• Freeze up to 2 months

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💡 Tips for Perfect Gooey Bars

• Don’t overbake — center should still look slightly soft.

• Toast pecans for deeper flavor.

• Let cool fully so topping firms up properly.

• Line pan with parchment for easy removal.

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If you’d like, I can also give you:

• 🍫 Chocolate pecan praline bars

• 🥥 Coconut pecan praline bars

• 🍁 Maple pecan praline bars

• 🧁 Mini pecan praline tartlets

Which one would you like next? 😊